Question

Q. Which of the following can be amended only by a special majority of the Parliament and consent of the states?

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• A. 2, 3 and 4 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3 only
• C. 1, 3 and 5 only
• D. 3, 4 and 6 only

Answer 1

The correct option is D 3, 4 and 6 only

Explanation:

There are three ways in which the Constitution can be amended:

1. Amendment by simple majority of the Parliament
2. Amendment by special majority of the Parliament
3. Amendment by special majority of the Parliament and the ratification of at least half of the state legislatures.

1. By Simple Majority of Parliament

• Admission or establishment of new states.
• Formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states.
• Abolition or creation of legislative councils in states.
• Second Schedule-emoluments,Allowances, privileges and so on of the president, the governors, the Speakers, judges, etc.
• Quorum in Parliament.
• Salaries and allowances of the members of Parliament.
• Rules of procedure in Parliament.
• Privileges of the Parliament, its members and its committees.
• Use of the English language in Parliament.
• Number of puisne judges in the Supreme Court.
• Conferment of more jurisdiction on the Supreme Court.
• Citizenship - acquisition and termination.
• Elections to Parliament and state legislatures.
• Delimitation of constituencies.
• Union territories
• Fifth Schedule-administration of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes.
• Sixth Schedule-administration of tribal areas.

1. By Special Majority of Parliament

• The provisions which can be amended by this way include (i) Fundamental Rights; (ii) Directive Principles of State Policy; and (iii) All other provisions which are not covered by the first and third categories.

1. By Special Majority of Parliament and Consent of States

• Election of the President and its manner.
• Extent of the executive power of the Union and the states.
• Supreme Court and high courts.
• Distribution of legislative powers between
• the Union and the states.
• Any of the lists in the Seventh Schedule.
• Representation of states in Parliament.
• Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure (Article 368 itself).